Sprint racing is one of only two canoeing events included in the Olympic Games. Racing takes place on flatwater over distances of 200 metres, 500 metres and 1000 metres on a straight course, of up to nine boats, each in a separate lane. Races are in singles, doubles and fours, for both Canadian canoes and Kayaks, which have to conform to minimum weight and specified standard.
Our sprint racing is based around the five National Regattas, including National Championships and an Inter Club Championship at The National Water Sports Centre course at Nottingham. In addition a number of local regattas are run at sites throughout the country during the season.
Most paddlers enter sprint racing through a club, racing locally as novices and progress to national regattas at junior and senior levels; all paddlers are ability ranked within their classes i.e. girls, boys, men, women and masters.
The BCU Sprint Racing Committee, together with the management of the Lottery funded Sports Council’s scheme, select talented paddlers to train under the World Class Olympic Podium and Development programmes. In addition, the Start programmes cater for junior development through the clubs and gives opportunities for international competition at club level.
The World Class structure is designed to provide Great Britain teams for international competitions at junior (under 18), under 23’s and senior level for men and women racing both kayaks and canadian canoes. These competitions include World Cups, World and European Championships and the Olympic Games.
Great Britain has built an excellent record, achieving Olympic, European and World Championships medals in recent years
For general information contact the BCU Sprint Racing Committee Secretary, Cathy Wynne - 01732 833590 or email: For an up to date events calendar, both locally & nationally see the ‘Canoe Focus’
The dates for the 2009 Sprint Racing National regattas are 4th/5th April, 9th/10 May, 6th/7th June, 4th/5th July and 5th/6th September 2009
For information on how to register as a competitor for a national regatta contact the Regatta Organiser: Peter Morley, 17 Springfield Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4DW - 01483 571996 or email
To obtain a copy of The Sprint Racing & Marathon Racing Handbook, (£6 including P+P) an essential reference for all competitors attending a National Regatta, contact Diane Bates, address, see Marathon Racing page or email:
Information on GB International teams and news can be found on the BCU World Class or GB Canoeing websites:
GB Canoe Sprint Racing Calendar
Athlete Websites
Tim Brabants
Lucy Wainwright
Anna Hemmings